This article aims to answer questions about how to switch cell phone carriers. Before starting, it’s essential to choose a carrier and ensure you can keep your number. With so many carriers, it can be difficult to choose the right one. Once the service satisfies you, you’ll likely want to switch carriers.
Why Should You Switch Carriers?
Switching carriers can be driven by trade-in deals, family plans, or regional differences in service, causing customers to consider alternative carriers.
Firstly, switching wireless carriers can be a no-brainer if your phone service doesn’t change much but your final bill does. Many providers offer deals on mobile phones, hotspot coverage, and unlimited data plans. For instance, Verizon even offers a $200 rebate for non-current customers switching from another carrier.
Secondly, some carrier plans offer perks like streaming services and additional services beyond mobile connectivity. Verizon’s Disney Plus deal may be appealing to those tired of T-Mobile’s Netflix deal.
Finally, smaller carriers like Mint Mobile offer competitive pricing without the resources and bundles of the big three carriers. Additionally, they provide reliable, unlimited service without high fees, making them popular for those without high-end plans.
How to Switch Cell Phone Carriers
#1. Research the provider you want to use.
Investigate your new carrier’s pricing, plans, data caps, and coverage to avoid losing your signal. Additionally, compare basic unlimited plans for the big three US wireless providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
#2. Gather all of your information.
To make the transition, you’ll need to gather certain information before switching providers.
The following information is essential before changing cell phone providers:
- Names and addresses
- The billing statement’s account number
- PIN or password The ESN/IMEI number of your phone (often found on the back or behind the battery)
Additionally, remember to back up the data on your old phone because voicemails will not transfer automatically.
#3. Contact your new service provider
After organizing your information and choosing a new provider, it’s time to officially switch. You can do it online or in person, but having someone guide you is best. For example, you may experience a smooth transition from AT&T to Verizon by visiting a store.
After activating your new service, your old account should automatically be canceled. Additionally, it’s also advisable to call your old wireless provider to confirm cancellation and negotiate early termination fees.
#4. Ask about keeping your old number.
The FCC protects you from losing your old phone number if your current carrier deactivates it Don’t cancel with your current carrier until you contact your new service provider. They aren’t required to accept your old number, so check with them first.
For example, if you are switching from Verizon to T-Mobile, ask customer service if they can keep your number. If switching to a family plan, the primary account holder needs to approve the new line with the old number.
#5. Decide if you want to keep your old phone or not.
Consider upgrading your phone to a new one, or keep it if you recently upgraded.
How to Switch Phone Carriers Without Paying
Switching between carriers without early termination fees is now possible, but typically requires a down payment. Additionally, reimbursement through bill credits or gift cards is likely. Therefore, you should research, compare carriers, and ensure the right plan is available to find the perfect cellular provider.
How to Switch Cell Phone Carriers and Keep Number
Before switching cell phone carriers, avoid canceling your current service, as deactivated phone numbers cannot be ported. Gather your current account information, including your bill number, as your new carrier will need it to process the number port request.
The procedure to transfer your phone number is simple once you have chosen which carrier, plan, and cell phone you wish to use.
- Contact your new service provider to confirm your eligibility. Most of them allow you to accomplish this directly on their website (for instance, AT&T’s transfer eligibility page).
- Find out if your phone has an eSIM, which is digitally stored inside the device, or a regular SIM card, which you may remove physically. This will have an impact on how you sign up for your new carrier’s phone service. (Of course, an eSIM can also be deleted or removed.)
- To acquire a new plan and phone (or bring your device), get in touch with your new service provider. You have two options for doing this: online or offline. A new SIM card can also be necessary.
- Your name, address, customer account number, and other pertinent information about your existing account should be at the ready. The ESN or IMEI number of your current phone, if you’re bringing it, may also be required.
- The process of porting will then begin when your new provider contacts your current provider. You might need to insert your new SIM card into your phone if you’re bringing your own.
- Your current service ought to be automatically terminated once your new one is activated. To complete the transfer (and potentially to discuss any termination fees or other expenses), we advise giving the business a call. Any unpaid debt will typically be billed to you within a month.
Switch Cell Phone Carriers and deal
Following these broad guidelines will help you switch cell phone providers and get a decent deal:
- To find the best cell phone carrier for your specific needs, research carriers and compare coverage, plans, pricing, and customer reviews. Consider factors like network reliability, data speeds, customer support, and special features.
- Check your contract and device eligibility, ensuring your current device is compatible with the new carrier’s network or if you need to purchase a new one. Compare plans and pricing based on your specific needs, such as data usage, voice minutes, and text messages.
- Contact the new carrier and inquire about their plans, pricing, and ongoing promotions. If you want to keep your existing phone number, inform the new carrier during the signup process.
- Purchase or activate new devices if you are bringing your own, and contact the carrier for instructions.
- Cancel your current service after switching to the new carrier, ensuring you understand any potential cancellation fees or outstanding balances.
Remember to research and compare carriers and plans to find the best option for your specific needs.
Best Phone Carriers in 2023
#1. T-Mobile
T-Mobile is the top carrier for 5G coverage, offering fast speeds and the largest network. It acquired Sprint’s Band 41 spectrum and offers various unlimited plans, including the Go5G Plus, Go5G, Essentials, and other plans with discounts for 55+, military, veteran, and first responder versions.
Additionally, T-Mobile also provides international usage options, including 5 GB of data on Go5G Plus and Wi-Fi on multiple airlines.
#2. Verizon
Verizon has expanded ultra-wideband 5G coverage and offers plans with $10 add-ons for features and subscription services. The company splits 5G coverage into 5G nationwide and 5G ultra-wideband categories. The company simplifies its unlimited plan selection to Welcome Unlimited at $65 for one line, offering unlimited nationwide 5G data and SD-quality video streaming.
Additionally, Unlimited Plus at $80 includes perks like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $5 less. Family discounts are available for up to four lines.
#3. AT&T
AT&T offers nationwide coverage with rural coverage comparable to Verizon’s. Its mid-band 5G coverage has reached several cities, and its dedicated low-band 5G spectrum provides nationwide coverage. AT&T offers four family plans and one single-line unlimited plan.
The 4GB Plan offers unlimited talk and text with 4GB of data, while the Value Plus Plan offers unlimited data in Mexico and Canada. The Unlimited Starter, Unlimited Extra, and Unlimited Premium Plans offer unlimited data, hotspot usage, and 4K streaming.
Furthermore, AT&T also offers discount programs, such as the Signature Program, military and veteran discounts, and FirstNet and Family, which prioritize discounted service for first responders and their families during emergencies.
#4. Visible
Visible is a Verizon-owned prepaid carrier offering unlimited data, hotspot data, and fast 5G access with 50GB of premium data. The cheapest plan, Visible, includes unlimited data, 5 Mbps hotspot usage, and unlimited talk and text. Visible builds on Visible with 50GB of premium data, ultra-wideband 5G network access, and international upgrades. Pricing is simple, with taxes and fees included.
Additionally, customers can save on Verizon Home Internet with $10 off for Visible+ and $5 off for Visible, without multi-line discounts or auto-pay requirements.
#5. Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a T-Mobile prepaid carrier offering four basic plans with multi-month savings. These plans provide high-speed data on LTE and 5G networks, accessible with any unlocked phone. Available for three, six, or 12 months, Mint offers the best rates for those willing to pay for the whole year.
Furthermore, the cheapest 5GB plan costs $25 per month, while other plans offer data in 5GB, 15GB, 20GB, or 40GB. Mint Family offers the carrier’s best monthly rates, renewed three months at a time when two or more lines are added.
#6. US Mobile
US Mobile is an MVNO that uses Verizon and T-Mobile networks, providing customers with excellent coverage and compatibility. They offer custom plans, shared data plans for families, and two unlimited plans. The basic custom plan includes minutes, texts, and up to 15GB of data, while the pooled data plan offers $9 lines and $2 per gigabyte.
Additionally, the Unlimited Basic plan provides full access to Verizon 5G, 40 GB of premium data, and 5 GB of hotspot data, while the Unlimited Premium plan offers 100GB with a 50GB hotspot and 10 GB of international travel data. Multi-line discounts are available for one line at $45 and for four lines at $30 per line.
#7. Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid carrier offering three primary unlimited plans: 5GB, Heritage Plans, and 5GB with unlimited talk and text. The 5GB plan is the cheapest at $30 per month and is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Furthermore, the Heritage Plans offer multi-line savings, unlimited high-speed data, access to T-Mobile’s full 5G network, and carrier perks like the T-Mobile Tuesdays discount program and ScamShield. The middle plan starts at $50 per month and includes 8GB of hotspot data and a 100GB Google One membership for cloud backups.
The top unlimited plan starts at $60 per month, with hotspot data up to 25GB and texting to 210+ countries. Note that all Metro Unlimited plans experience slow speeds after 35 GB of usage and can only stream in 480p quality.
#8. Google Fi
Google Fi is a popular choice for Android users due to its free VPN and automatic network switching features. It uses T-Mobile for 5G access and can also rely on Wi-Fi partners in dense areas. To fully utilize Google Fi’s advanced features, a phone approved for its advanced features is required. The oldest plan is Flexible, which starts at $20 per month with unlimited talk and text.
Additionally, Unlimited Plus costs $65 per month and offers data roaming features, 50GB of high-speed data, Google One cloud storage, and YouTube Premium. Simply Unlimited, at $50 per month, is ideal for families on a budget with four lines. Both Flexible and Unlimited Plus support a free second SIM that shares data, allowing data usage on multiple devices without running a mobile hotspot on the primary device.
#9. Boost Infinite
Boost Infinite, launched after T-Mobile acquired Sprint, offers an affordable unlimited plan starting at $25 per month. It offers two plans: Infinite Unlimited and Unlimited+. The standard Unlimited plan is ideal for Android users, with Unlimited+ available for the iPhone 14 on a 36-month payment plan.
Furthermore, the plan has 30GB of high-speed data without a hotspot but can be upgraded to 40GB for $10. Boost Infinite covers 70% of the population using AT&T’s network.
Is It Complicated to Switch Phone Carriers?
Switching wireless providers in the US is challenging due to the vast number of carriers and plans, which makes it overwhelming.
Do I Have to Cancel My Phone Plan Before Switching Carriers?
Before switching carriers, ensure you don’t cancel your current service before completing the number transfer, as it’s crucial.
Is There a Fee to Switch Carriers?
Switching carriers may attract a fee, including an early termination fee and any remaining balance on your Device Payment Agreement.
How Long Does It Take To Switch Carriers?
Porting a phone number to a new carrier takes 5-7 days, with some cases taking up to 4 weeks. The average time varies by provider and depends on approval.
Do I Need a New SIM Card to Switch Carriers?
Yes. The SIM card (or eSIM profile) in your phone is connected to a billing account, a plan, and a carrier. You will need a new SIM card that connects to their network, even if your smartphone is compatible with another carrier.
What Do You Lose When Switching Carriers?
When switching cell phone carriers, consider factors like losing your current phone number, contract obligations, device compatibility, promotional deals, and network coverage. If you choose not to port your current number, you will be assigned a new one. If your current device is not compatible with the new carrier’s network, you may need to purchase a new device or ensure it is compatible.
Therefore, consider switching carriers to avoid losing promotions or incentives. Research coverage, features, and services and evaluate potential losses and benefits, considering factors like network coverage, pricing, customer service, and contractual obligations.
What Time of Year Is Best to Switch Cell Phone Carriers?
There is no universal best time to switch cell phone carriers, but certain periods offer promotions and deals that can make switching more advantageous. However, one of the best times to change cell phone carriers is during the end of the year or holiday season, when there are special discounts and promotions, such as discounted devices and reduced plan prices, to attract new customers.
Can I Put My Sim Card in Another Phone and Keep My Number?
SIM cards enable easy phone service transfer between phones by inserting a compatible or unlocked phone, allowing users to use their existing number and cellular service on the new phone.
How To Forward Phone Calls (Number, Carrier and Phone)
Best Cricket Phone Deals For 2023
How to Unlock Your Verizon iPhone: The Complete Guide
References:
